Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes it is crucial the Italian
marque hit the ground running in 2013.

The Scuderia, who unveiled the new F138 at Maranello this morning, missed out on the 2012 title in heartbreaking fashion as Sebastian Vettel's charge back through the field in Brazil saw Fernando Alonso beaten to the prize by just three points.

The Spaniard's title charge was ultimately undermined by a slow start to the season, and a lack of qualifying pace throughout the year.

But Domenicali hopes things will be different in 2013.

After seeing the wraps come off the team's new challenger, which does not feature the stepped nose that became the norm in F1 last season, Domenicali said: "The key objective is to immediately deliver a competitive car to the drivers.

"Unfortunately in recent seasons we have not been able to get to the start of the season right on top of what we are doing like our competitors.